best bean to cup espresso machine coffee machine pods [view it now]

Pod coffee machines make it easy to get your caffeine fix in the morning. Contrary to conventional machines they offer pre-packed pods of ground coffee or espresso to accelerate the process.

To find the top pod coffee machine, select one that offers the most options to adjust the size of the drink and temperatures. Check if the machine is compatible with refillable pods.

1. Nespresso Vertuo

Nespresso is the market leader in pod brewing and is a favourite among coffee enthusiasts. The capsules and machines made by Nespresso are highly evaluated in terms of quality and sustainability. The capsules are constructed of 80 percent recyclable material and can be composted. They also contain less plastic than traditional coffee bags and have a lower carbon footprint. Additionally, Nespresso partners with green-certified organisations to promote responsible farming and fair labor practices.

The Nespresso Vertuo range includes several machines that produce a thick, delicious cup of coffee or espresso with a good crema. The VertuoPlus X and VertuoPlus Deluxe models come with advanced features like automatic heating of milk and customizable beverage settings. These machines are easy-to-use and feature a sleek design that looks stunning on your kitchen counter.

Both the X and Deluxe models have a large water reservoir and a slender machine body. Centrifusion, a new innovative extraction technique, utilizes up to 7,500 rotations per minute for brewing the espresso or coffee. This technique helps create a consistent and smooth crema with a high level of saturation, even in smaller cups.

Nespresso capsules are more expensive than compatible pods from third parties available in supermarkets and online retailers. However, they are able to offer a wide range of flavors and intensities. The company regularly releases limited-edition products as well. The machines are simple to operate and the Vertuoline is less complicated than Nespresso's original Nespresso that only makes espresso.

Vertuoline offers two sizes of capsules - the smaller espresso and the larger lungo size for those who prefer shorter drinks. The larger mug capsules and alto capsules can be used for mug-sized drinks requiring the most robustly roasted cup of coffee. Unlike some of the other pod machines we tried and tested, the Nespresso Vertuoline also makes a excellent drip coffee.

2. Illy X7.1

This pod coffee machine is a top-quality machine made from tough and attractive materials. It's a bit more expensive than the other machines we tried, but it provides an excellent, reliable performance. It also has an attractive design that will blend into any kitchen.

The X7.1 uses a new patented system that reads the custom barcode on each capsule to determine. It then pre-wets and infuses the appropriate amount of distillate water. This is a great plus point for those who prefer a simple, hands-off automation. It can be frustrating for those who prefer to tweak settings and choose their own brew size or strength. The machine can dispense espresso drinks double espresso drinks mugs, gran longo and alto drinks, all with layers of creamy crema.

The X7.1 isn't just an outstanding model in terms of its brewing technology, but it also has other features. For instance, it is one of the few coffee machines we've tested that offers the ability to adjust the height of the drip tray to optimise the dimensions and shape of the coffee mug. It also includes a stainless steel milk jug that can be used to make cappuccinos and lattes. The X7.1 is also equipped with an energy-saving sleep function and a detachable pod holder to make cleaning easier.

It's compatible with all Keurig K-Cups and Nespresso capsules as well as Bruvi's B-Pods. These pods differ from K-Cups or other popular pods in that they contain ground coffee, instead of a teabag and contain more caffeine than regular espresso. The Bruvi also has app compatibility and can be set up to brew on a remote basis and according to a time. It also has a useful steam wand that can be used to make frothy lattes and cappuccinos.

3. Grind One

If you're not a huge fan of Nespresso pods made of plastic or are looking for something less quite as bulky, then the Stockholm-designed Grind One may be the best coffee machine uk option for you. Two members of the Real Homes team have been testing it in their kitchens and both are incredibly pleased with it. It's a sleek stainless-steel machine that looks chic and is extremely easy to use. Simply place a pod into the inlet, select either a short express or lungo and press a button. The light that flashes will inform you whether it's brewing or done, and then the coffee starts to come out. There's no milk carafe or steam wand, however you can add hot or cold milk to your coffee however you'd like.

The beauty of this machine is that it was designed to work with Grind's recyclable, plastic-free and compostable coffee pods. You'll not only reduce your coffee waste, which can take hundreds of years to degrade, but the pods are also organic and contain no plastic. They cost about 50p each and you can dispose of them in your garden compost or food waste bin once they are empty.

The Grind One is PS275, and you can buy the milk frother to it for an additional PS325. It's more expensive than a lot of Nespresso-branded pods but it's a very sleek well-designed, well-constructed, and versatile machine. It is also the smallest that means it doesn't need much counter space. It has a raised tray that locks on to a series notches along with the waste bin that can be adjusted to the height.

4. Grind 2

For those who enjoy a quick and simple cup of coffee, this machine eliminates the hassle making espresso. It can brew either an espresso shot in a short time or a long shot using three different extraction settings and temperature. Our coffee aficionado was impressed by its capability to make an excellent espresso. Its crema (which should be a warm chestnut color that lasts until the last sip) and temperature were perfect. Its sleek style and durable attractive materials also made it stand out from the rest.

Our coffee enthusiast also tried the Grind One for its ease of use. The robust switch has a satisfying feel and allows you to programme your preferred short or long shot, and a clear display. You can set it to automatically dispense hot water alongside your coffee, which helps the ground settle and enhances your drink's flavour. A useful milk frother is also included, which makes this pod coffee maker an excellent all-rounder.

Another advantage of these machines is that they remove the messy bits out of making espresso, namely grinding and dosing the beans that have been ground. It also reduces the amount of equipment that needs to be cleaned and reused. This makes them an ideal option for those with a small kitchen spaces. If you want to expand your options, you can utilize a separate milk frother in order to make cappuccinos and lattes. You can also go with an manual coffee maker, like the Aeropress that combines an environment-friendly design with more flavor than the machine. It does require more effort, so it's not for everyone.

5. Lavazza Idola

This model isn't as expensive as the Lavazza Voicy pod, but it's perfect for those who enjoy espresso or ristretto or caffe longo. It's also one of the quietest machines available so you can sip your morning cup of coffee while the kids are still asleep.

You can set a cup size that fits your needs and decide to increase the temperature to make your brew go through faster by pressing one button. It's easy to stay up with maintenance, too with alerts that notify you when the capsule container needs emptying or the water tank is empty.

The machine does not do any frost, but you can make cappuccinos and flat whites with an additional milk container. Many customers have left glowing reviews on Amazon and John Lewis. They praise the quiet operation and flexible choices offered by the machine, such as different lengths of brews as well as the capacity to hold capsules that have been used.

There aren't many reviews from customers, but the general consensus is that it is an excellent pod coffee maker if you prefer a simple set-up. It's more expensive than the Nespresso Vertuo Pop but comes with the best budget coffee machine Lavazza pods. It is also one of the quietest machines on the market. If you want to make a variety of coffees, we suggest you check out one of our top alternatives. For more information, read our full Lavazza Idola review.